Karachi's ticking time bomb

588 dangerous buildings put residents at risk; PAC seeks urgent evacuation plan

KARACHI:

The Sindh Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised alarm over the growing number of dangerous and dilapidated buildings across the province, with the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) revealing that Karachi alone has 588 hazardous structures, including 444 buildings classified as part of the city's historical heritage.

The disclosure came during a PAC meeting chaired by Nisar Khuhro on Tuesday, where the committee reviewed audit objections related to the performance of the SBCA. The committee was informed that a total of 741 dangerous buildings had been identified across Sindh, including 588 in Karachi, 80 in Hyderabad, 50 in Sukkur and others in different districts.

SBCA officials told the committee that 59 dangerous buildings in Karachi had been vacated, while approval had been granted for the demolition of 39 structures declared unsafe. However, several residents continue to occupy hazardous buildings, with officials stating that many are unwilling to leave until alternative accommodation arrangements are made.

The SBCA informed the PAC that notices had been issued to residents living in dangerous buildings, while the provincial government was working on a mechanism to provide rental support and alternative accommodation.

During the meeting, PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro questioned officials over progress on a previous directive issued to the chief secretary regarding the evacuation of residents from dangerous buildings and the creation of a rehabilitation mechanism to prevent possible loss of life.

The local government secretary informed the committee that the CM had constituted a committee headed by the Karachi commissioner to address the issue, including arrangements for rental assistance and alternate housing.

Khuhro directed authorities to submit a detailed report on the number of residents evacuated from unsafe buildings and warned that if occupants refused to vacate, written undertakings should be obtained stating that the provincial government would not be held responsible in case of any incident.

High-rise buildings around Quaid's mausoleum

PAC member Taha Ahmed pointed out that several high-rise buildings had allegedly been constructed around the Quaid's Mausoleum in violation of regulations and questioned which officials had approved their construction.

SBCA officials told the committee that construction of buildings above 50 feet requires mandatory NOCs from relevant authorities. The PAC subsequently sought a report on high-rise structures surrounding the mausoleum.

58 illegal housing schemes without NOCs

The PAC also took up the issue of 58 illegal housing schemes in Karachi allegedly operating without required NOCs, with audit officials questioning the lack of action against such projects.

SBCA officials informed the committee that any housing scheme operating without mandatory approvals was illegal and that unregistered developers were attracting public investment through social media campaigns.

Officials said notices had been issued against such schemes and public warnings had been published through newspapers advising citizens not to invest in unauthorised projects.

The PAC directed the SBCA to take action against developers operating illegal housing schemes and ordered authorities to make the names of such builders public to prevent citizens from losing their investments.